High standards amaze organisers Event rises to challenge
THE 70th annual Townsville Eisteddfod has finished on a high, despite numerous challenges being thrown into the mix due to flood-affected venues.
Almost 2000 competitors sang, danced, played and acted in about 20,000 performances over the 19-day competition.
Townsville Eisteddfod Committee president Noel Price said most of the sections were held at the Townsville Stadium because the Civic Theatre was out of action.
“I am happy with the way it all played out,” he said.
“The committee was reduced, but they pulled everything together and it all worked out.
“We did a presentation of awards after every category and the adjudicators had a chance to speak, and they were all over the moon about how it was run.”
Mr Price said there was no standout section this year, and that all the performances were of an incredibly high standard.
“It’s amazing. Even the little fellas, the standards are so high in Townsville,” he said.
“The dance adjudicator said she was blown away by the quality of the dancers, particularly in the higher levels. She was delighted.
“The vocals, the pianos, the dancing, it just blows me away to see the kids at such a high level. I can’t say anything but praise.”
Mr Price said the Townsville Stadium went above and beyond to provide a venue for Townsville’s young performers to strut their stuff, including providing special flooring for the dance sections of the competition.
“They helped out with the sound, the floor, the curtains, they were marvellous,” he said.
“We couldn’t have done it without them.
“We also had about 150 volunteers helping us on the doors, with the music, the cashiers, helping backstage, it wouldn’t run without them, that’s for sure.”
Planning is already under way for the 2020 Eisteddfod, with a special push for choirs, orchestras, concert bands and brass bands to have the chance to perform after missing out this year due to a lack of venues.
“Next year will be our 71st year and hopefully we’ll be back in the Civic Theatre and all the bands and choirs will come back together,” Mr Price said.